Why Study History at IU Southeast?

History focuses on the complex but essential issues of change over time. The discipline of history demands and develops a broad perspective, analytical skills, and an ability to communicate with clarity and acumen. It is among the most useful disciplines, because it enhances skills that can be beneficial in any vocational setting.

The study of history covers all recorded expressions of human activity-political, economic, social, cultural, intellectual. Because of its broad scope, history provides an exceptional introduction to all studies that concern human beings and their activities. Historians seek to understand the heritage of earlier generations and to understand the time in which we live.

Words of Welcome

Welcome to the History Program at Indiana University Southeast. History is the investigation of change and continuity in human societies over time. Historical study aims to understand the past in order to understand the present more fully. Studying history creates a trained habit of thinking in the long-term, and integrating political, social, economic, artistic, intellectual and cultural factors into both the long-term and short-term aspects of society.

The Faculty and its Mission at Indiana University Southeast

The History Program has highly credentialized and top-notch faculty committed to student success. We pride ourselves in the quality of our work, our dedication to excellence in the program and in the work produced by students, as well as close mentorship of students, both history majors and the general student body at IU Southeast. The Faculty has expertise in many areas, such as Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States, and a strong publication record. History classes at IU Southeast are generally small and students have many opportunities to develop professional relationships both with the Faculty and also in the numerous Internship opportunities in the Louisville Metro area and beyond.

What Others Have to Say About History

For further discussion of the value and uses of historical study, visit the following websites at the American Historical Association:

Recommended Preparation

No special preparation is required beyond a standard high school degree. However, because history majors must read and write effectively, they must successfully pass or be concurrently enrolled in Elementary Composition W131 in order to enroll in any History course.

Advising information may be obtained from Advisor Dana Gohmann or Misti Whitaker.

A major in history is an excellent foundation for graduate study in history, law, the humanities and social sciences. History majors have found rewarding careers in research and writing, business, public history, teaching, journalism, bankers, and government service. The skills and knowledge acquired in the History major at IU Southeast prepare students for success. Like other liberal arts disciplines, history sharpens your ability to think critically, argue logically, conduct research, analyze data, and communicate clearly, both orally and in writing. History is also unique. Because it is both a humanities and a social science, it addresses the study of individuals and the broader society, teaching you to shift your focus back and forth between the two, evaluating issues in context; invaluable skills for any career.

In the public sector, local, state and federal governments frequently employ graduates who have majored in history.

These people have found employment as:

Diplomats

FBI agents

Department heads

Researchers

Archivists

Administrative and legislative assistants

Lawyers

Management

NGO's

Goverment Agencies

In addition, public history offers job opportunities to history majors in areas such as historic preservation, historical editing, museum management and archival work.